If your ACT score didn't live up to your score on the practice test you took at home, then this might be another reason to retake. For most students, taking the test at least twice is a good idea.



Did you know over half of the students who retake the test score better than they did on the first test. No matter when you decide to retake the ACT, remember that colleges only consider your highest score, although they will have access to all your previous scores. New in 2020, the ACT will now allow you to retake specific sections of the test instead of taking the entire test. You can now sign up to only retake one or two sections of the ACT again.

Certainly, this means more studying and going through the stress of test-taking, but it is often worth it. Going into the test a second time, you have a better idea of what to expect and have more direct experience with taking the actual test. Plus, it doesn’t cost you anything! Your Talent Search advisor can provide you a fee waiver which will cover the cost of retaking the test two additional times. I encourage you to review the upcoming test dates and schedule your test now. This will give you time to study, test and then determine if you want to schedule a retake.

Most importantly, at a minimum, an ACT score of 25 should qualify you for lower-level scholarship money. Full ride scholarships are offered at many colleges and universities to students with an ACT score in the 32-36 range along with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Who doesn’t like FREE MONEY?

Click here to go the portion of ACT.org dealing with upcoming test dates and registration deadlines

Seniors, this year is going to be your busiest year of school. There are so many things to tackle!   I’ve put together a list of important dates and task deadlines that you will want to mark on your calendar.  You should have completed your college search and planning during your junior year.  If you haven’t started, this task should be completed immediately.

•   ACT/SAT: If you did not take one of these tests during your junior year, you need to schedule a test date prior to November.  While some colleges are not currently requiring a test score, scholarship money is available for higher scores.  If the college does require a score, waiting to schedule your test after November may risk your score not being submitted to the college in time to process your application.  Ultimately resulting in a rejection letter.

• FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) becomes available on October 1st every year.  While you don’t have to complete it that very same day, it is important to finish it as soon as possible. The federal government and school grant programs can and will run out of money.  If you apply too late, you could miss out on some free money.  Even if you don’t think you will qualify, apply anyway.  While you may not get anything from the federal government, you might be pleasantly surprised when your college acceptance letter rolls around and includes a financial package.  Colleges and universities work to make school more affordable for their students, and you might just get lucky.  Your FAFSA should be completed every year of college, too.

More important dates and deadlines will be posted in the next edition of ACCESS.

Don't forget to meet with your TTS advisor a minimum of three (3) times this year!